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Letter to the editor: Seek compromise on monuments

In the 21st century many members of both races have accepted the premise that racial harmony is the desired way forward for our nation. Yet, extremists among both populations agitate for restrictive positions.

Racial tensions have resurfaced over Confederate monuments. An agreeable compromise is in order. However, any plaque or historical statement should be under the supervision of authentic historians, not politicians wishing to make a political point.

Our nation was founded upon a precarious political balance between Southern planters and Northern businessmen. The Southern economy was based largely upon human slavery while the Northern businesses were not. Slavery was prevalent throughout the new nation; but it was indispensable in the South.

The causes of the War Between the States or the Civil War were complicated; but it cannot be denied that one cause related to arguments over which territories would permit slavery. The North utilized various means to augment their position against the resistant politics of the South.

After the war was over, the period of Reconstruction was very harsh for the South. Northern forces and political operatives determined to punish the South into total economic and political submission, resulting in negative attitudes that have yet to recede. In response, Southern leaders implemented a period of repressive segregation which kept black people under political and social submission for a century.

In the 21st century many members of both races have accepted the premise that racial harmony is the desired way forward for our nation. Yet, extremists among both populations agitate for restrictive positions.

Today we should seek compromises about the monuments; but truth, not fiction. The considerations above should inform the conversation regarding proper displays of confederate memorabilia.